"It is very important to be playing and creating blues music. I think by playing the music all of the time we are helping to preserve as well as spread the music all over the world."

Frank Catalano: Jazz Breaths of Blues

Brand new recording from 2 amazingly talented musicians who live and breathe the music-Chicago blues guitar legend Lurrie Bell and Chicago jazz saxophone legend Frank Catalano. Two legendary musicians, after many ups and downs, reunite after almost 30 years to record a new album, “Set Me Free” (2024). It is the Great American blues songbook, covering standards like “The Sky is Crying,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Help Me.” Each cut is done in a more traditional blues style, with Bell’s vocals sounding silky, but also commanding and heartfelt. Frank Catalano and Lurrie Bell were both signed to record deals in 1995 by famed producer Bob Koester; Catalano was only 18 and Bell was 36 at the time. Both musicians went on to have storied careers. Frank Catalano first sat in with his mentor Von Freeman at age 11; Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson at age 12; Miles Davis at age 13; and Tony Bennett at age 14. At age 16, Frank’s career was on an amazing path and he was asked to perform at the Grammys. On his way to the airport, he was in a horrific car accident and his right middle finger was cut off. Catalano’s budding career and life were in jeopardy, but he beat the odds and relearned his signature saxophone technique.

(Photo: Frank Catalano)

Both musicians have overcome adversity to become the accomplished artists that they are today. Listen to their music and you will hear that they pour their heart and soul into every note they play. “Set Me Free” is a testament to their mutual love of music and gratefulness for the quality of life that they have now achieved. You might have seen Frank featured with Los Lobos at the Chicago Blues Festival, The Hollywood Bowl with The Smashing Pumpkins, or leading his own band at Birdland in New York. "Set Me Free" recorded in February and March 2024 at Joy Ride Studio, Chicago and Blaise Barton was the main engineer (Pinetop Perkins, Otis Clay).  

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music?

I feel that music is what brings us all together as people. It is very healing and spiritual. I feel Love, great food, wine are all wonderful and important, but it is the music and the vibration of the universe that drives my soul and has brought so many amazing people into my life.

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

Technique is very important in executing our musical ideas, but my heart and soul guides my music expressions. I feel King Curtis, Junior Walker, John Coltrane plus people I was able to record/perform with like David Sanborn, Curtis Mayfield, Charles Earland, etc. have all shaped my style and I just let me emotions run wild at this point.

What moment changed your music life the most? Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

Miles Davis inviting me to perform with him when I was a young saxophonist was life changing. A couple years later, my right middle finger was cut off in a car accident and that changed my ability to play, and I almost bled to death. While I am a studied and technical musician in one way. After almost dying, I have put the music in God's hands, and it always works itself out.

"Technique is very important in executing our musical ideas, but my heart and soul guides my music expressions. I feel King Curtis, Junior Walker, John Coltrane plus people I was able to record/perform with like David Sanborn, Curtis Mayfield, Charles Earland, etc. have all shaped my style and I just let me emotions run wild at this point." (Photos: Frank Catalano and various albums)

Currently you’ve one release with bluesman Lurie Bell. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Set Me Free?

Bob Koester signed me to Delmark Records when I was 18 and I did 3 solo albums for Delmark and 7 total recordings that I am very proud of.  Lurrie and I appeared on the 45th anniversary album together and did several concerts together back then so its nice that we were able to be reunited largely thanks to famous artist Tony Fitzpatrick to make this special album. Lurrie was amazing in the studio, and we have a bunch of live gigs coming up.

Why do you think that Delmark Records legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

Delmark is a special label with a deep history and hopefully it will continue to do well.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I still try to make my recordings in the old style. 2-inch tape if possible. Full takes with amazing players in a big live room. That is how we recorded Set Me Free. That is why it has a special sound that is very alive. I am excited to keep making music in this way. It is a little scary that music has been somewhat homogenized, but I think staying the course and making music I love and believe in is the only thing to do so I have zero worries.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Being in the moment is so important. Many really special musical moments on "Set Me Free" happened because Lurrie and I were just in the zone, in the moment. It is also important to be very prepared. When I was producing this album, I spent many hours on arrangements, song selection, etc. Also, I wanted to make sure that nothing was overly planned so it could still be spontaneous. There is a fine line between being prepared and still spontaneous, but I think that is very important.

"I feel that music is what brings us all together as people. It is very healing and spiritual. I feel Love, great food, wine are all wonderful and important, but it is the music and the vibration of the universe that drives my soul and has brought so many amazing people into my life."

(Photo: Frank Catalano)

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

It is very important to be playing and creating blues music. I think by playing the music all of the time we are helping to preserve as well as spread the music all over the world. As a native Chicagoan, I heard the blues everyday so I might have taken it for granted but Blues and American roots music are the roots of Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, etc. so it is very important in today's society, and we are very blessed and fortunate to be part of the music just like the music is part of us. It's in us all day, everyday.

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